Seven police officers were taken to hospital after being injured in a collision during a pursuit early this morning and two people have been arrested over the incident which has shut the A1 on Tyneside, Northumbria Police said
Two people have been arrested after a horror crash on the A1 that left seven police officers in hospital. At about 2am, officers attempted to stop a car in the Whickham area of Gateshead due to concerns “about the manner it was being driven”. The dark grey BMW M Sport was then driven off. It was later sighted in the Swalwell area.
Specialist officers from the Force’s Roads Policing Unit were sent to the area and at 2.25am got behind the car, and a pursuit was authorised. At 2.27am the car and five police vehicles were involved in a collision on the A1 near the Derwent Haugh Road junction.
Seven officers were taken to hospital, with what were described as non-life threatening injuries. Four have been discharged, two remain for observation and one is receiving treatment to a leg injury. Two occupants of the BMW were uninjured.
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the North East Ambulance Service both attended. A man in his 20s has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
A woman, also aged in her 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving. Both remain in police custody at this time.
A section of the A1 remains closed in both directions. There are diversions in place from the Derwent Haugh Road junction northbound, and the A69 roundabout southbound.
Supt Michelle Caisley, from Northumbria Police, said: “Firstly, we want to wish all the officers who have been involved in the collision a full recovery.
“We would also like to thank all those who attended the scene, including our colleagues from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the North East Ambulance Service.
“An investigation is under way to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ask anyone with information that may assist us to come forward.
“We would also ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community which could impact the investigation.
“We recognise this incident has caused significant delays and thank motorists for their patience. The road closure has been necessary in order for our collision investigation team to conduct their enquiries.”
Anyone with information can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use the live chat or report forms on the Force’s website. This includes anyone with CCTV or dashcam of the collision or the events leading up to this, including footage of the BMW.
People who have dashcam footage can submit this via the portal on the Force’s website: Submit your dashcam footage
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